On March 18, 2010, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment launched an initiative to conserve Vietnam Heritage Trees, contributing to the protection of biodiversity in the Decade of Biodiversity launched by the United Nations. This initiative not only creates conditions for preserving the ecosystem but also improves the quality of people's lives, opening up new directions in resource management and responding to climate change.
The tradition of protecting ancient trees of the Vietnamese people has existed for many generations, demonstrating the spirit of voluntary attachment to nature. Professor Dang Huy Huynh, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, emphasized that each ancient tree is a witness to the history and culture of the nation, carrying within it millions of springs and stories of time. Among the more than 6,000 trees recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees, many trees meet the standards of longevity, size and unique cultural values, becoming a living symbol of the homeland, a place where the community shows respect for nature and national traditions.
To be recognized as Heritage Trees, ancient trees must meet a number of strict criteria regarding age and ecological value. Naturally grown trees must be over 200 years old, while planted trees must live over 100 years and have unique aesthetic and cultural values. Trees that do not meet the age standards but have special scientific, historical and cultural values can still be considered for recognition. Typically, the 9 ancient muom trees nearly 1,000 years old at Voi Phuc Temple in Hanoi were recognized as the first Vietnamese Heritage Trees on October 5, 2010. Since then, the movement has spread to 55 provinces and cities across the country, from the northernmost point of Ha Giang to the southernmost point of Ca Mau.
In particular, Vietnam's islands also feature many outstanding Heritage Trees. The banyan tree system on Hon Dau Island (Do Son, Hai Phong), the banyan trees on Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai), along with the banyan, mu u and phong ba trees on Truong Sa Island are living examples of endurance against time and harsh nature. Among the Heritage Trees, many trees have achieved remarkable records, such as the tallest samu dau tree in Vietnam, with a height of over 70m in Pu Mat National Park (Nghe An); or two tau trees over 2,200 years old in Phu Tho, which witnessed the formation and development of the nation since the time of An Duong Vuong.
Heritage Trees are not only a green landscape but also a bridge between the past and the present, between nature and people. The 1,000-year-old banyan tree at Quan La communal house, Tay Ho, Hanoi, which witnessed Uncle Ho instructing people to preserve trees for future generations in 1958, is a testament to the cultural and historical connection of Heritage Trees. Also in Cam Lam village (Duong Lam, Son Tay), the over 1,000-year-old row of banyan trees is where Ngo Quyen used to tie elephants and war horses before historic battles, becoming a symbol of the steadfast spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Many localities, after recognizing Heritage Trees, have taken advantage of this to develop tourism, creating more livelihoods for local people. The po mu population in Tay Giang, Quang Nam, with nearly 1,200 trees ranging in age from 300 to 2,000 years, has become a destination attracting many tourists to explore the primeval forest ecosystem. To promote tourism, the Tay Giang district government has invested in infrastructure to serve tourists, established a traditional village in the middle of the po mu forest and organized a forest thanksgiving festival every February, creating conditions for local people and tourists to experience the unique culture of the Co Tu people.
In Quang Nam, three red parasol trees in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An, are a prominent symbol of Cham Island and contribute to the development of local tourism. Handicrafts made from parasol bark, such as hammocks, have become cultural characteristics, bearing the local mark. The People's Committee of Quang Nam province has proposed to include the parasol hammock weaving craft in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, in order to promote tourism potential combined with preserving traditional crafts.
Ninh Binh with dozens of ancient trees, including the over 700-year-old banyan tree in Phu Long communal house, has created a unique cultural heritage complex, attracting tourists to explore cultural and spiritual values. These destinations not only bring new experiences to tourists but also generate income for local people, contributing to protecting the environment and green resources. In Da Nang, the Heritage Tree system such as the over 800-year-old Son Tra banyan tree or the over 300-year-old soapberry cluster in Ngu Hanh Son is also an important link in the ecosystem, bringing great benefits to biodiversity conservation and attracting tourists.
Heritage Trees across the country have been, are and will continue to be valuable natural resources, contributing to the sustainable development of many economic sectors. In particular, the tourism industry has taken advantage of the attractiveness of Heritage Trees to develop ecological, cultural and spiritual tourism routes, bringing income to local communities. Activities to care for and protect Heritage Trees in localities are also a way to educate the younger generation about love of nature and environmental protection awareness, along with pride in the cultural traditions and history of the homeland.
It can be said that preserving and promoting the value of Vietnam Heritage Trees is not simply an act of preserving natural beauty but also a way to continue the cultural and historical values of the country. Ancient trees are both the soul of the countryside and a priceless asset of the nation, contributing to embellishing the cultural identity of Vietnam, connecting the past with the present and shaping a sustainable future for future generations.
Hoang Anh
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